November 21, the feast day of the Synaxis of Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, marks the 25th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky) of blessed memory, the third Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, one of my predecessors on the Cathedra of the Eastern American Diocese, who consecrated my unworthiness to the episcopate in 1984. On this day, I will celebrate Divine Liturgy in Archangel Michael Church in Paterson, NJ, after which a memorial trapeza will be held in the parish hall, where a lecture on the biography of the esteemed Vladyka Philaret will be read with a presentation of rare photographs. That same day His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, will perform a memorial service at his crypt in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

All churches of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia are advised to commemorate His Eminence with a special prayerful service during the Great Entrance of Divine Liturgy and a memorial litany following, preceding it with an edifying sermon.

Let us pray for the repose of Metropolitan Philaret of blessed memory, with love and gratitude for his podvigi, his service, his sermons and many invaluable teachings on how to lead our spiritual lives and save our souls in the Church of Christ. Let our commemoration be as a kiss to the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, canonized by the courageous podvig of Metropolitan Philaret in 1981, who are intercessors for our present renewal and the spiritual rebirth of the Russian people!

+ HILARION,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.